Switching Visas In-Country – COVID-19

Switch to a long term UK visa from inside the UK

Are you currently in the UK? Does your leave expire between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020?

If so, your visa will be extended to 31 May 2020 if you are unable to leave the UK because of travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 lockdown measures.

You must request an extension of your leave by contacting the Coronavirus Immigration Team (CIT) if your leave expires between the above dates but you cannot leave the UK and if you are not planning to stay in the UK long-term.

If you are currently in the UK and are planning to stay in the UK long-term:

As a relaxation of the normal rules, until 31 May 2020, you can now apply from within the UK to switch to a long-term visa. This includes visa applications which would usually need to be made out of the UK.

The requirements of the visa will remain the same and the relevant fee will need to be paid.

You can apply online and the conditions of your current leave will remain the same until your application is decided.

UKVCAS centres

UK Visas and Citizenship Application Centres (UKVCAS) are temporarily closed and you cannot book an appointment.

If you have already booked an appointed, you will be informed that it has been cancelled and you will be advised as to when you can book a new appointment.

The inability to attend an appointment will not impact your UK immigration status.

How can we help?

If you have any questions about your current leave to remain or your eligibility for a long-term visa, contact us today for a telephone consultation.

Need help? Chat to us